Teen Scene Program: Pilot of a community-based health intervention for teens with developmental disabilities

INTRODUCTION: Teens with developmental disabilities are at increased risk for overweight/obesity, though few programs address their specific needs. We developed, implemented, and evaluated the feasibility of a pilot community-based intervention for teens with developmental disabilities to increase healthy lifestyle skills and physical activity, and produce weight loss. METHODS: The Teen Scene Program pilot was offered three times weekly after school for 12 weeks in 2 sessions, Spring and Summer 2009. Eligible participants included teens with developmental disabilities ages 13 to 18 who were overweight (BMI > 85%). Classes consisted of developmentally-appropriate interactive education, physical activity, and practical activity sessions, e.g., cooking demonstrations and dance days. Nine teen “peer mentors” with developmental disabilities received training, then acted as co-leaders and motivators. Weight, BMI, exercise frequency and abdominal girth were measured before and after Spring and Summer sessions. RESULTS: Evaluation included 11 teens from Spring and 6 teens from Summer session. Two-thirds of Spring participants lost weight, on average 6.5 pounds; mean BMI decreased from 31.4 to 31.1. BMI of Summer participants decreased from 31.8 to 31.4; 80% of participants lost weight, on average 2.5 pounds. Peer mentors' mean BMI decreased from 30.0 before Spring to 28.5 after Summer session (p=0.02). All mentors lost weight, on average10.3 pounds. CONCLUSIONS: The Teen Scene Program resulted in significant decreases in weight, BMI, and increased exercise, demonstrating the feasibility of a community-based intervention using peer mentors for overweight teens with developmental disabilities. Additional research should include a randomized controlled trial to further demonstrate efficacy.